potts



(No Model.)-

A. F. POTT'S.

DESK.

Patented Sept. '19, 1882.

IIIII'IIIII N. PETERS. Phoio-Lilhagraphor. Withinglon, D. Q

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALFRED F. PO'ITS, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

DESK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 264,747, dated September 19, 1882, Application filed April 4, 1882. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED F. POTTS, of Indianapolis, Marion county, Indiana, have invented Improvements in Desks, of which the following is the specification.

My invention is a desk or cabinet constructed as fully describedhereinafter, so as to permit the space between the top and bottom pieces to be conveniently subdivided for the reception of various articles, and closed or opened and displayed for ready access.

In the drawings, Figure l is a front perspective view of an ofiice-desk partly open, showing my improvements. Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view. Fig. 3 is a sectional plan. Figs. 4 and 5 are sections showing the mode of securing the casters.

A is the base, B the top, and C G are partitions supported by the base and supporting the top, and arranged to form one'or more compartments between the top and bottom, of any required shape, according to the character and purpose of the desk, cabinet, or other article. Asshown, there are two end compartments and a central space divided by a cross-partition, as is common in double office-desks. 1n the compartment at one end of the desk are fitted two or more receptacles, D D D, provided with guides, so that the same may slide longitudinally, thus permitting any one of them to be drawn out to expose the interior, which may be subdivided to hold articles of different kinds.

Different modes of guiding the receptacles may be employed. I have shown ribs or upon the upper and lower sides of the receptacles D D, which fitgrooves bin the coinciding faces of the top and bottom but the end receptacle, D, is provided with guide-pins e, fitting corresponding grooves, f, and guiding the receptacle in like manner as the ribs, but permitting it to be swung on the end pins as pivots, as shown in Fig. 1. This permits both the receptacles D D to be exposed at once; and when the end receptacle is of suflicient depth it may be divided longitudinally, and a sliding or hinged door, 0, may cover the outer compartment. By this means every portion of the compartment between the top and bottom may be formed into convenient and available receptacles for the stowage of articles of various kinds, all of which can at any time be exposed for ready access.

To support the receptacles when drawn out they are provided at the ends with casters g. When the receptacles pull out only to one side the casters are rigidly secured; but when it is desired that the receptacles shall slide out to the corners, to, above and below, so as to swing outward.

The receptacles may be arranged to slide in the frame, or may be pivoted thereto to swing out and in between the upper and lower strips. This pivoting feature 1 do not here claim, as it will form the subject of aseparate application for Letters Patent. When the receptacles are thus carried by a pivoted frame or case the latter, when out, constitutes an extension of the desk, or a supplemental desk available for many purposes.

I am aware that a sliding receptacle consisting of aseries of superimposed trays has been used, the trays sliding and being guided upon a falling door, and being connected by a corner rod, so that all above the bottom tray will swing laterally upon such bottom tray after the series of trays is drawn out. This differs from my device in the limited movement of the lower portion or tray, which can merely slide in and out and serve as a support for the others, whereas the entire receptacle in my deupper and lower. platforms, the pivoting and turning being upon the stationary platforms.

I do not here claim the caster arranged on the front of the receptacle and extending be both sides each caster is carried bya block, h,

receptacles,) and this frame I pivot at one of vice both slides and turus,being pivoted to the low the bottom of the desk, as herein set forth, as the same may form the subject of a separate application for Letters Patent.

1 claim- 1. A desk consisting of a base, top, support 0, and intermediate vertical receptacles arranged side by side, and each capable of being slid in and out independent of the others, fitting the compartment between the top and base and support, and partly supporting the top, and supported by the top and bottom and by each other, as specified.

2. The combination, With the top, bottom, and support of a desk, of a series of independ ent receptacles fitting the space inclosed between said parts, partly supporting the top, and supported thereby and by each other, each capable of being slid in and out at both sides independently of the others,and provided with casters at the ends, as specified.

3. The combination, with a vertical receptacle arranged to slide between the top and base of a desk, of an end support constructed and connected to the receptacle to swing above the base when the receptacle is moved in, thereby carrying such support over the base, as set forth.

4. The combination, with the top and bottom pieces, of a sliding receptacle provided with guide-pins 0, adapted to longitudinal guides, and constituting pivots for the receptacle when the same is drawn out, substantially as set forth.

5. The combination of a case having upper and lower platforms, and a receptacle sliding and guided between said platforms, and pivoted to said platforms to swing laterally upon the pivots when drawn out, as set forth.

6. The combination, with the sliding and swinging receptacle, and with the case within which the same moves, of a guiding and pivoting caster, as specified.

1n testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALFRED F. POTTS.

Witnesses CHARLES E. Fos'rna, A. E. HANSMANN. 

